Meet Chris Alstat, owner of Eclectic Herb, and herbal educator Mel Mutterspaugh, two herbalists who found each other through their shared love of plants and are finally sitting down to do what they've talked about for years: share stories, wisdom, and a whole lot of herbal passion. 

In this episode, you'll get to hear from Chris as she shares about her Japanese heritage, the influence her mother's garden had on her childhood, the health crisis that changed everything, and how a chance meeting in Tokyo led her to Eclectic Herb, a 40+ year legacy of organic, freeze-dried herbal supplements rooted in the Eclectic Physicians tradition. Mel shares the moment Lungwort Lichen literally appeared at her feet during every coughing fit from bronchitis. 

You'll hear why they're both obsessed with nervous system herbs right now (hello stress), what it means when plants speak to you, and the one piece of advice they each give over and over. This is science-rooted herbal education wrapped in friendship, stories, and a whole lot of plant nerdery. 

What's in this episode: 

• Why Mel and Chris started this podcast and what you can expect 
• Astrological profiles: How earth and air signs shape their herbal practice 
• Early plant memories: From Japanese gardens to backpacking trails 
• Chris's path to owning Eclectic Herb via healing crisis and chance meeting 
• Current favorites herbs: Milky Oats for chronic stress and Tulsi for daily balance
• When plants speak: Lungwort and Chestnut Bud appearing exactly when needed 
• The most important herb advice: Trust the plants & find what works for YOUR body
• What's coming: Victorian herbal history, astrology, expert interviews 

Herbal Terms in This Episode: 

• Trophorestorative: An herb that nourishes and restores a body system or tissue to normal functionality over time (like Milky Oats for the nervous system) 
• Doctrine of Signatures: A traditional concept suggesting 'like treats like'—the color, shape, or texture of a plant can hint at its medicinal uses (like Lungwort Lichen for lung conditions) 

We'd love to hear from you!  

What early plant memories shaped your relationship with herbalism?  

Have you ever felt guided by a plant or "nudged" toward a remedy intuitively?  

Full show notes & transcript: eclecticherb.com/blogs/eclectic-herbal-wisdom

Explore Eclectic Herb's freeze-dried supplements at eclecticherb.com. Share your stories and follow @eclecticherb on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook 

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